What Causes Redness of the Scalp?
07 / 07 / 17

What Causes Redness of the Scalp?

Most of us have experienced redness of the scalp at some point or another—perhaps because we spent a long day in the summer sun and forgot to apply the proper sunscreen. It’s important to be aware that redness of the scalp isn’t always the result of sunburn, however, and in fact there are a number of serious skin disorders that can cause this problem. When left untreated, these conditions can have a ruinous impact on your scalp and on your hair—possibly even contributing to hair loss. In this post, we’ll outline some of the things that might be causing your red scalp.

Potential Causes of a Red Scalp

Irritation from a Hair or Scalp Product

Most of us have products we use in our hair, whether shampoo, conditioner, mousse, gel, or something else altogether. Some of these products are quite mild in their effect, but others are strong enough that they may cause irritation. We recommend looking for gentle, all-natural products whenever you can—and if you believe your product is causing redness of the scalp, discontinue use right away.

Allergies

Along the same lines, the products you use in your hair can sometimes provoke an allergic reaction. You may not have any itching to accompany this reaction, so be sure to pay attention for any signs of redness, which may extend past the scalp to the ears or the neck.

Psoriasis

This condition is often misunderstood; it’s actually a disorder of the immune system, and it can affect many different parts of the body. In a lot of instances, this includes the scalp, where you may experience redness, scaling, and flaking. This condition doesn’t usually lead to hair loss, but it can lead to some painful itching—and the flaking can be a bit embarrassing. This condition can be treated, though, and we invite you to come see us at New Image if you need a treatment recommendation.

Infection

It is also possible for the scalp to become infected; the infection may be viral, bacterial, or fungal in nature. Staph infections and ringworm are just two of the most common scalp infections. After you get a specific diagnosis, you can begin treatment to eradicate the infection and restore your scalp to normal.

Alopecia Areata

Another autoimmune disorder, alopecia is a leading cause of hair loss—and in some cases, it also makes the scalp red. Note that other forms of alopecia, such as alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis, can have the same effects, though they are much less commonplace.

Scarring Alopecias

This is another type of alopecia that deserves a special mention: Though its not common, it is serious, as it causes the follicles to become scarred. This leads to permanent hair loss. Redness is a possible side effect. If you are diagnosed with this condition, don’t worry: There are many options for hair replacement available to you. At New Image, we can help you find the right one.

Scalp Trauma

An injury to the scalp, like an in auto accident, can also lead to redness, as can different forms of burn. If you’ve recently been in some kind of accident, that could certainly be the main factor in your scalp redness.

Sun Damage

Some of the clients we see at New Image have scalp redness not just from sunburns, but from the long-term effects of sun exposure. Make sure you’re always protecting your hair and scalp from the sun.

Cancer

This is the scariest on the list by far, but we do need to mention it: Some types of skin cancer can manifest with redness of the scalp. Of course, you will want to consult with a doctor right away if you know you have the risk factors for skin cancers.

Treatment for a Red Scalp

If you notice that your scalp is red, irritated, or itchy, we’d encourage you not to ignore it. It could be something as minor as a sunburn, or it could be something much more serious. We can help you diagnose any issue of the hair or scalp, and we can also provide hair replacement solutions as you need them. Contact us at New Image to learn more.